Seniors & Driving

​​​There are a number of warning signs that your parent or senior loved one is unable to maintain their independence. The ability to drive safely is one of the first activities to decline for seniors, but often time the last right to be relinquished.

While senior drivers are more likely to wear their seatbelts, less likely to drink and drive, and more likely to drive during safer traffic conditions (e.g., in daylight, less distance, clear weather), they are prone to more devastating injuries due to their age. Even small incidents can equate to hospital stays, surgeries and a higher risk for infection. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), fatal crash rates increase dramatically at age 70 and are highest among drivers age 85 and older, largely due to increased susceptibility to injury and medical complications.

The first step to respectfully approach the topic of reduced or revoked driving privileges is to assess the situation. Try asking your senior loved one these questions:

Has there been a driving situation in the past six months that caused you concern?

Explain how you feel about being able to drive. How important is it to you? How would you feel if you had to modify or even give up driving?